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Science News for February 1, 2015


'Live fast, die young' galaxies lose the gas that keeps them alive

A study suggests some galaxies may shoot out gas early, causing them to redden and die prematurely. Researchers found that four galaxies approaching the end of star formation had expelled most of their gas.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 1, 2015

The effect of expanded midwifery on cesarean delivery

Changes to labor and delivery care systems, introducing expanded midwifery and streamlined obstetric staffing, led to significant decreases in primary and repeat cesarean delivery rates. This study suggests that modifying the traditional model of obstetric care can lower cesarean delivery rates while improving maternal safety.

SourceSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2015
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Improving health before pregnancy could be key to the prevention of childhood obesity

A new study suggests that a child's early environment, including maternal factors during pregnancy and breastfeeding duration, can predict their chance of becoming obese later in life. The research found that children with four or five identified risk factors were 3.99 times more likely to be overweight or obese at age four.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 1, 2015

Abnormalities in pregnancies with failures for noninvasive prenatal testing

A study of 4,446 pregnancies found a high rate of chromosomal abnormalities in patients where non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) fails to provide results. Nearly half of these tests will fail on subsequent attempts, highlighting the importance of clear understanding and follow-up for patients with failed NIPT.

SourceSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Impact of probiotics on metabolic health in women with gestational diabetes

A study of 100 women with gestational diabetes found that a probiotic capsule intervention had no effect on glucose control, but did reduce total and LDL cholesterol levels. This suggests a potential role for probiotics in improving the metabolic profile of pregnant women at risk of future cardiovascular disease.

SourceSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2015

Effect of maternal glycemia on childhood obesity and metabolic dysfunction

Researchers found that maternal glycemia is associated with some childhood anthropometric measures of obesity, such as skinfolds and subscapular/triceps ratio, but not body mass index or insulin resistance. Maternal obesity and Hispanic ethnicity were strongly linked to childhood obesity and metabolic dysfunction.

SourceSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2015

Fewer viral relics may be due to a less bloody evolutionary history

A new study found that humans carry fewer endogenous retroviruses in their genomes compared to other mammals. This decrease may be attributed to a less bloody evolutionary history, with reduced exposure to blood-borne viruses as humans transitioned from biting during conflicts and hunting.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalRetrovirology·DateFeb 1, 2015
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Cyanobacterium found in algae collection holds promise for biotech applications

Scientists have identified a fast-growing cyanobacterial strain, Synechococcus elongatus UTEX 2973, which grows at over 50% per hour. The strain's genome is remarkably similar to another widely studied cyanobacterium, and its genetic determinants of rapid growth may hold the key to unlocking new biotech applications.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 1, 2015